Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Special Equipment Needed:
- Electric mixer
- Piping bag with star tip (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt to the mixture and mix until well combined.
4. Sift in the flour and cornstarch and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Using a fork or the back of a spoon, press down on each ball to flatten it slightly.
7. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. If desired, pipe a small amount of icing onto each cookie using a piping bag with a star tip.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
- 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
- You can use lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a different flavor.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the dough for added texture.
- Dip the cooled cookies in melted white chocolate for a decadent twist.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the powdered sugar to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Don't overmix the dough once the flour and cornstarch are added, as this can result in tough cookies.
- If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the icing onto the cookies.
Storage Instructions:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
- These cookies are best served at room temperature and do not need to be reheated.
Presentation Ideas:
- Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle the cookies with additional lemon zest for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- These cookies are a sweet treat on their own and do not require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- If the cookies are spreading too much during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before starting to bake.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale.
Food History:
- Semprits are a traditional butter cookie that originated in Germany and are popular throughout Europe.
Flavor Profiles:
- These cookies have a buttery, lemony flavor with a delicate crumbly texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies as a sweet treat with tea or coffee, or as a dessert after a meal.
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Taste: Citrusy, Sweet, Tangy, Zesty, Refreshing